Recording Device And Recording Medium Supply Mechanism For A Recording Device

ABSTRACT

A recording device and a recording medium supply mechanism for a recording device can reverse the transportation mechanism and rewind and take up the recording medium when a recording medium that is wound in a roll is conveyed by the transportation mechanism for use. A roll paper holder supplies roll paper to a printer assembly. The roll paper holder supports the roll paper on a support shaft, and has a roll paper take-up knob affixed to an end of the support shaft for manually taking up the roll paper. The roll paper take-up knob is disposed on the opposite side of the recording device as the side on which is disposed a paper feed knob that manually reverses the transportation mechanism that conveys the roll paper in the printer assembly, or a display and operating unit for automatically reversing the transportation mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-269398, filed Nov. 27, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to recording device and to a recording medium supply mechanism for a recording device.

2. Related Art

Recording devices that have a transportation mechanism for conveying a recording medium, and reverse the transportation mechanism to store the unused part of the recording medium in the original position, are known from the literature. See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H06-297788. The recording device taught in JP-A-H06-297788 stores paper that was fed but then not used back in the paper cassette by reversing the rollers that convey the paper used as the recording medium.

As taught in JP-A-H06-297788, a device that supplies cut sheet paper as the recording medium one sheet at a time from a cassette can thus return the recording medium to the original location in the cassette by reversing the transportation mechanism. However, a recording device that uses paper wound in a roll (roll paper) as the recording medium must both reverse the transportation mechanism and take up the returned portion of roll paper onto the roll. A complicated and relatively large mechanism is required to automatically coordinate the two actions of reversing the transportation mechanism and rotating the roll to take up the roll paper. Performing these operations manually is also difficult because plural members must be operated simultaneously.

SUMMARY

A recording device and a recording medium supply mechanism for a recording device according to the present invention enable reversing the transportation mechanism and rewinding and recovering the recording paper when a recording medium that is wound in a roll is conveyed by a transportation mechanism for use.

A first aspect of the invention is a recording device including a recording device including a media support unit that is disposed to a recording assembly and supports a rolled recording medium, which is a recording medium that is recorded on by a recording assembly wound into a roll, on a support shaft, and has a first knob. The first knob is disposed to an end of the support shaft, is turned to manually take up the recording medium, and is located on the opposite side as the side on which is disposed a second knob that is operated to manually reverse a transportation mechanism that conveys the recording medium in the recording assembly or a switch unit for automatically reversing the transportation mechanism.

Because the first knob that manually rewinds the recording medium in the media support unit is disposed on the opposite side as a second knob that manually reverses the transportation mechanism or a switch that automatically reverses the transportation mechanism, the operator of the recording device can operate the first knob and either the switch or the second knob using both hands. As a result, because the rolled recording medium can be rotated and the recording medium taken up simultaneously to reversing the transportation mechanism and returning the recording medium, unused recording medium can be easily rewound onto the roll and recovered.

In a recording device according to another aspect of the invention, the media support unit can be installed to and removed from the recording assembly.

This aspect of the invention enables appropriately changing the configuration of the recording device according to the need to record on rolled recording media because the media support unit can be installed and removed with the rolled recording medium thereinside, and thus enables various methods of use according to the needs of the user.

In a recording device according to another aspect of the invention, the media support unit has a cover that covers the rolled recording medium supported on the support shaft, and the first knob is exposed outside the cover.

This aspect of the invention can protect the rolled recording medium from being soiled because the rolled recording medium is covered by a cover, and enables operating the first knob to rotate the rolled recording medium and easily take up the recording medium without opening the cover.

In a recording device according to another aspect of the invention, a media supply unit having a tractor unit that supplies an alternate recording medium having marginal punch holes is disposed behind the recording assembly; and the media support unit is located above the media supply unit.

This aspect of the invention enables using both an alternate recording medium of continuous sheet media and a rolled recording medium, and when the rolled recording medium is used and recording medium pulled from the roll is returned, enables manually winding and taking up the rolled recording medium simultaneously to reversing the transportation mechanism. As a result, unused recording medium can be rewound onto the roll and recovered, both a media supply unit having a tractor unit and the media support unit can be efficiently disposed, and the recording device can be installed with a small footprint.

In a recording device according to another aspect of the invention, an engaging claw is disposed at a front part of the media support unit and is engaged in an engaging channel that opens to the back of the recording assembly; and rear feet of the media support unit are placed on a flat surface of a main case that houses the recording assembly.

With this aspect of the invention the media support unit is supported so that it does not shift horizontally because engaging claws are engaged in engaging channels disposed at the back of the recording assembly, and the load of the media support unit is supported by the main case because the media support unit is placed on flat surfaces of the main case that houses the recording assembly. As a result, the rolled recording medium can be supported in a stable manner such that the recording medium pulled from the roll does not interfere with the transportation path of the alternate recording medium of continuous sheets, and both the recording medium pulled from the roll and the alternate recording medium can be supplied to the recording assembly.

In a recording device according to another aspect of the invention, the support shaft of the media support unit is located in front of the rear feet.

With this aspect of the invention the load of the rolled recording medium is dispersed and supported from below by the flat surface of the main case and the engaging channel in which the engaging claw at the front of the media support unit is engaged. As a result, the load of the rolled recording medium does not create a moment and the rolled recording medium can be supported stably.

Another aspect of the invention is a recording medium supply mechanism of a recording device, including a media support unit that is connected to a recording assembly and supports a rolled recording medium, which is a recording medium that is recorded on by a recording assembly wound into a roll, on a support shaft, and has a first knob. The first knob is disposed to an end of the support shaft, is turned to manually take up the recording medium, and is located on the opposite side as the side on which is disposed a second knob that is operated to manually reverse a transportation mechanism that conveys the recording medium in the recording assembly or a switch unit for automatically reversing the transportation mechanism.

Because the first knob that manually rewinds the recording medium in the media support unit is disposed on the opposite side as a second knob that manually reverses the transportation mechanism or a switch that automatically reverses the transportation mechanism, the operator of the recording device can operate the first knob and either the switch or the second knob using both hands. As a result, because the rolled recording medium can be rotated and the recording medium taken up simultaneously to reversing the transportation mechanism and returning the recording medium, unused recording medium can be easily rewound onto the roll and recovered.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention enables manually rotating a roll simultaneously to causing the transportation mechanism to reverse so that unused recording media can be easily taken up on the roll and recovered.

Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external oblique view of a printer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the printer with the top cover removed.

FIG. 3 is a side section view of the printer.

FIG. 4 is an external oblique view of the printer with the roll paper holder removed.

FIG. 5 is an oblique view showing roll paper loaded in the roll paper holder.

FIG. 6 is an oblique view of the roll paper holder.

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of the roll paper holder.

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the roll paper holder from below.

FIG. 9 is a partially cut-away side view showing the roll paper holder when installed.

FIG. 10 is an oblique view of the printer with the separator installed.

FIG. 11 is an oblique view of the printer with the separator slid out.

FIG. 12 is another oblique view of the printer with the separator slid out.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a printer 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the printer 1 with the top cover 11 of the main case 10 removed, and FIG. 3 is a side section view of the printer 1. FIG. 3 shows the transportation path P1 of recording paper 112 supplied from a roll paper holder 2, and the transportation path P2 of continuous paper 120 supplied by a fanfold paper supply unit 6.

The printer 1 has a main case 10 and a roll paper holder 2 (media support unit) that is disposed to the main case 10, and is a recording device that can print text and images on roll paper 112 (recording medium) that is fed from a paper roll 110 stored in the roll paper holder 2, and on fanfold paper 120 (alternative recording medium) supplied from behind the main case 10. The printer 1 in this embodiment of the invention is a dot matrix printer that affixes ink to and forms dots on the fanfold paper 120 or roll paper 112 by causing recording wires to protrude. The roll paper 112 is a continuous web of plain paper, for example, that is wound into a paper roll 110 (rolled recording medium) and set in the roll paper holder 2. The fanfold paper 120 is a continuous web of folded form paper, and may be a single or multipart form. The fanfold paper 120 is stored outside the printer 1 and in the example shown in FIG. 3 is stored below the printer 1, and is fed into the printer 1 by the operation of a fanfold paper supply unit 6 (media supply unit) described below.

This printer 1 can selectively print to either roll paper 112 or fanfold paper 120, and either roll paper 112 or fanfold paper 120 can be selected for printing by the operation described below.

The roll paper 112 or fanfold paper 120 (collectively referred to below as the recording medium) is discharged upward from a paper exit 14 rendered near the front end of the roll paper holder 2, and the discharged medium is supported by a discharge guide 23 formed at the front of the roll paper holder 2. A sawtooth cutter 15 for cutting the discharged recording medium is disposed to the paper exit 14.

A display and operating unit 13 including switches for operations such as setting and resetting printer 1 operations, and LEDs for displaying the operating status of the printer 1, is disposed in the top of the main case 10. A power switch 38 (see FIG. 12) for turning the printer 1 power on and off is disposed to the left side of the main case 10.

The printer assembly 4 including a print head 43 is housed inside the main case 10, and the printer assembly 4 can be accessed by opening the top cover 11, which is removably disposed to the top of the main case 10. The printer assembly 4 (recording device assembly) is rendered by attaching various parts to a frame that includes a base frame 17 located at the bottom of the frame, and a pair of left and right side frames 18 and 19 fastened to the base frame 17. A platen 41, carriage guide shaft 49, pressure roller 50, follower roller 51, discharge roller 52, discharge assist roller 56, tractor drive shaft 61, and tractor guide shaft 62 are disposed between the right side frame 18 and the left side frame 19. The platen 41 and the tractor drive shaft 61 are driven rotationally by a paper feed motor (not shown in the figure) attached to the right side frame 18.

A carriage 42 that travels bidirectionally on the carriage guide shaft 49 is disposed in front of the roll-shaped platen 41, and the print head 43 from which wires (not shown in the figure) are driven to protrude is disposed to the carriage 42 opposite the platen 41.

A stationary ink ribbon cartridge 44 supported by the right side frame 18 and left side frame 19 is disposed to the printer assembly 4. A ribbon guide is disposed to the carriage 42 between the distal end of the print head 43 and the platen 41, and an ink ribbon (not shown in the figure) that is pulled from the ink ribbon cartridge 44 passes through this ribbon guide.

An elastomer that absorbs the impact of the wires of the print head 43 is disposed to the side of the platen 41, and numerous dots forming text or images are formed on the printing surface of the recording medium by driving the wires of the print head 43 to the elastomer coating of the platen 41 with the ink ribbon and recording medium therebetween.

The platen 41 is driven rotationally by drive power from the transportation motor (not shown in the figure). A lower paper guide 47 with a curved surface that follows the side of the platen 41 is disposed below the platen 41, and an upper paper guide 45 is disposed upstream from this lower paper guide 47. The lower paper guide 47 and upper paper guide 45 render a paper entrance 48 through which roll paper 112 supplied from the roll paper holder 2 and fanfold paper 120 supplied from the fanfold paper supply unit 6 enter the printer assembly 4.

This paper entrance 48 is the entrance to the transportation path (paper feed path) through which the roll paper 112 and fanfold paper 120 are conveyed in the printer assembly 4. Note that in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 the upper paper guide 45 and lower paper guide 47 are rendered separately one above the other, but the upper paper guide 45 and lower paper guide 47 may be rendered in unison to form the transportation path. Note, further, that the upper paper guide 45 and lower paper guide 47 are comparable to a sheet guide.

A switch-type paper detector 53 that detects the advance of roll paper 112 or fanfold paper 120 is disposed to the paper entrance 48 side end of the lower paper guide 47. A control circuit board 57 described below controls operation of the printer 1 based on the output from the paper detector 53.

A pressure roller 50 is disposed opposite the platen 41 at the paper entrance 48. The recording medium is held and conveyed by the pressure roller 50 and platen 41 between the curved surface of the lower paper guide 47 and the platen 41. The pressure roller 50 is urged toward the platen 41 so that recording media of various thicknesses can be held reliably between the pressure roller 50 and the platen 41.

The follower roller 51 that rotates with the platen 41 as a result of the drive power from the transportation motor (not shown in the figure) is disposed to the lower paper guide 47, and the recording medium is held between this follower roller 51 and the platen 41 and conveyed toward the print head 43.

The platen 41 and pressure roller 50 function as a transportation mechanism that conveys the paper roll 110 and fanfold paper 120 by means of power from the transportation motor.

The recording medium, which is conveyed wrapping partially around the platen 41, is pressed to the side of the platen 41 by a paper presser 141 before the carriage 42. The paper presser 141 presses the recording medium to the platen 41 and prevents the recording medium from lifting away from the platen 41 at the printing position. The recording medium on which the print head 43 prints is conveyed upward by the platen 41, is held between and conveyed upward by the discharge roller 52 disposed above the platen 41 and the discharge assist roller 56 disposed opposite the discharge roller 52, and is discharged from the paper exit 14. The discharge assist roller 56 is urged to the discharge roller 52 so that recording media of various thicknesses can be held between the discharge assist roller 56 and the discharge roller 52. The recording medium exits upward from the paper exit 14 and is then conveyed along the discharge guide 23 by the discharge roller 52 and discharge assist roller 56.

The shaft of the platen 41 is connected to a paper feed knob 46 disposed outside the main case 10, and by manually turning the paper feed knob 46 the platen 41 rotates and the recording medium can be fed forward or in reverse.

The control circuit board 57, which controls various parts of the printer 1, is stored in the bottom part of the printer assembly 4. A power supply circuit board 59 that can be turned on and off by operating a power switch 38 (see FIG. 12), and supplies DC power to the control circuit board 57 based on AC power supplied through a power supply connector 39 (see FIG. 12) disposed in the back of the main case 10, is also stored in the bottom part of the printer assembly 4.

The control circuit board 57 is connected to a host computer or other external device through a communication cable 58 (see FIG. 9), and based on commands and data received from the external device, and operations of switches in the display and operating unit 13, controls the transportation motor (not shown in the figure) that rotationally drives the platen 41 and tractor drive shaft 61, a carriage drive motor (not shown in the figure) that drives the carriage 42, and the print head 43 in order to print and convey the recording medium. Based on the printing and paper feed operating states, the control circuit board 57 also controls operation of the LEDs in the display and operating unit 13.

FIG. 4 is an external oblique view of the printer with the roll paper holder 2 removed.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 3, the fanfold paper supply unit 6 is disposed at the back of the printer assembly 4. The fanfold paper supply unit 6 includes a tractor drive shaft 61 and tractor guide shaft 62 spanning between the left and right side frames as described above, and a pair of left and right tractor units 60 that are fit onto these shafts 61 and 62 and can move widthwise to the printer 1, and is housed inside the main case 10 behind the printer assembly 4.

An endless belt 63 that has plural pins 64 protruding therefrom is disposed around the tractor units 60. When the tractor cover 65 is closed with these plural pins 64 fit into the marginal punch holes formed along the sides of the fanfold paper 120, the fanfold paper 120 is held between the pins 64 and the tractor cover 65. By then turning the tractor drive shaft 61 and driving the belt 63, the fanfold paper 120 is supplied toward the printer assembly 4. A supply opening 67 from which the fanfold paper 120 enters is open at the back end of the fanfold paper supply unit 6. A paper receiving member 66 that supports the fanfold paper 120 supplied from below is disposed at the bottom part of the supply opening 67.

As shown in FIG. 3, the roll paper holder 2 includes a holder case 20 that is set on top of the main case 10, a support shaft 24 that supports the paper roll 110, and a roll paper cover 21 that covers the paper roll 110 supported on the support shaft 24. The holder case 20 and roll paper cover 21 are assembled together, rendering the outside cover of the roll paper holder 2.

The paper roll 110 has a hollow core 111 as shown in FIG. 3, and the paper roll 110 is supported in the roll paper holder 2 by passing the support shaft 24 through this core 111. The core 111 may be sized so that the inside diameter of the core 111 is much larger than the outside diameter of the support shaft 24 as shown in FIG. 3, or so that the inside diameter of the core 111 and the outside diameter of the support shaft 24 are substantially equal. In either case, however, the paper roll 110 can be supported by the roll paper holder 2.

One end of the support shaft 24 passes through to the outside of the holder case 20, and a roll paper take-up knob 25 is attached to this end of the support shaft 24. The roll paper take-up knob 25 is exposed outside the roll paper holder 2, and can be turned manually. Manually turning this roll paper take-up knob 25 turns the paper roll 110, enabling taking up slack in the roll paper and taking up roll paper 112 that is returned from the printer assembly 4 as described below.

As indicated by the roll paper transportation path P1 in FIG. 3, the roll paper 112 unwound from the bottom of the paper roll 110 stored in the roll paper holder 2 is pulled forward into the paper entrance 48. A curved part 26 that is upwardly convex is disposed inside the roll paper holder 2 so that the roll paper 112 is first made to curve up, and the roll paper 112 rides over the curved part 26 and curves toward the paper entrance 48. A storage space 27 is formed inside the roll paper holder 2 above the space between the curved part 26 and paper entrance 48. This storage space 27 is a space for holding the reversed portion of the roll paper 112 when the roll paper 112 pulled from the paper entrance 48 into the printer assembly 4 is rewound.

In a printer 1 according to this embodiment of the invention, either the roll paper 112 supplied by the roll paper holder 2 or the fanfold paper 120 supplied by the fanfold paper supply unit 6 can be selectively used as the recording medium for printing text or images by operating a paper feed selection switch 16 (see FIG. 4).

When the paper feed selection switch 16 shown in FIG. 4 is pulled forward, that is, towards the front of the printer 1, rotation of the platen 41 due to the drive power from the transportation motor (not shown in the figure) is transmitted to the tractor drive shaft 61, the tractor drive shaft 61 thus rotates synchronously to the platen 41, the pressure roller 50 that presses the roll paper to the platen 41 is pushed down, and the pressure roller 50 separates from the platen 41.

When the paper feed selection switch 16 is pushed to the back, the pressure roller 50 pushes against the platen 41 again, transfer of torque to the tractor drive shaft 61 is interrupted, only the platen 41 rotates, and the fanfold paper 120 is not conveyed by the fanfold paper supply unit 6.

In this embodiment of the invention a movable spur gear that is part of a gear train mechanism (not shown in the figure) disposed to the right side frame 18 and is rotated and movably supported by the transportation motor (not shown in the figure) is moved by and made to engage or disengage a spur gear attached to the tractor drive shaft 61 as a result of operating the paper feed selection switch 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exit through which the roll paper 112 is supplied from the roll paper holder 2 to the printer assembly 4, and the exit through which the fanfold paper supply unit 6 supplies the fanfold paper 120 to the printer assembly 4, are both opposite the paper entrance 48. As a result, there is no need to change the mechanism used for printing according to the type of recording medium because the same printer assembly 4 can be used with both roll paper 112 and fanfold paper 120.

When the recording medium is switched from the roll paper 112 to the fanfold paper 120 or from the fanfold paper 120 to the roll paper 112, the recording medium conveyed to the position of the print head 43 or beyond is conveyed in reverse and reverse fed toward the paper entrance 48.

This reverse feed operation can be done by the control circuit board 57 controlling the transportation motor (not shown in the figure) to turn in reverse so that the platen 41 and tractor drive shaft 61 turn in reverse. More specifically, when a switch on the display and operating unit 13 is operated to reverse feed the recording medium, the control circuit board 57 causes the transportation motor to rotate a specific amount in reverse. If the roll paper 112 is being reversed, the leading end of the recording medium at the paper exit 14 or the position of the print head 43 is returned to the position of the pressure roller 50 by the platen 41 rotating in reverse. The roll paper take-up knob 25 is then turned to take up the roll paper 112 pulled into the storage space 27 onto the paper roll 110, and the leading end of the roll paper 112 is positioned to the inside of the roll paper holder 2 from the roll paper exit 20C (FIG. 8) so as to not interfere with transportation of the fanfold paper 120.

The display and operating unit 13 functions as a switch unit that has a switch for causing a transportation mechanism including at least a platen 41 to reverse. The tractor drive shaft 61 may also be included in the transportation mechanism.

The fanfold paper 120 can be reversed by driving the platen 41 and tractor drive shaft 61 in reverse. After the leading end of the fanfold paper 120 is detected by the paper detector 53, the fanfold paper 120 is reversed only a specific distance towards the tractor units 60 to a position where the fanfold paper 120 will not interfere with the roll paper 112. When the fanfold paper 120 is stopped at this position, the fanfold paper 120 is held loaded in the tractor units 60. As a result, the fanfold paper 120 can be conveyed toward the platen 41 by simply driving the tractor drive shaft 61 when using the fanfold paper 120 is desired again, and there is no need to set the fanfold paper 120 in the tractor units 60 again. Note that the fanfold paper 120 can be removed from the fanfold paper supply unit 6 if desired by driving the tractor drive shaft 61 further in reverse.

The recording medium can also be reversed by manually turning the paper feed knob 46 (second knob) in reverse while the printer 1 is stopped. In this situation the leading end of the recording medium is returned to a position just before the pressure roller 50. The recording medium returned to before the pressure roller 50 can be pulled back manually, and if the roll paper 112 was reversed, the roll paper take-up knob 25 of the roll paper holder 2 can be turned to rotate the paper roll 110 and take up the roll paper 112. By reversing the transportation motor (not shown in the figure) of the printer 1 or operating the paper feed knob 46, the tractor drive shaft 61 of the fanfold paper supply unit 6 turns in reverse in conjunction with the platen 41. As a result, when the fanfold paper 120 is reversed, the fanfold paper 120 can be returned to the position of the tractor units 60 by reverse rotation of the tractor drive shaft 61.

By thus returning at least one of the roll paper 112 and fanfold paper 120 at least to a position before the paper entrance 48, the other recording medium can be fed from the paper entrance 48 to the printer assembly 4 for printing. As a result, a simple operation enables using either roll paper 112 or fanfold paper 120 with the printer 1.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the display and operating unit 13 having a switch for automatically reversing the transportation mechanism including the platen 41 is disposed on the right side of the printer 1. A roll paper take-up knob 25 (first knob) for rewinding the paper roll 110 stored in the roll paper holder 2 is disposed on the left side of the printer 1 as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 6.

As a result, in order to reverse the recording medium automatically by operating the display and operating unit 13, the operator of the printer 1 can operate the display and operating unit 13 with the right hand while turning the roll paper take-up knob 25 with the left hand to rotate the paper roll 110 and take up the roll paper 112 that is returned by the reversing operation.

In order to manually rewind the recording medium using the paper feed knob 46, the operate can turn the paper feed knob 46 with the right hand to turn the platen 41 in reverse while turning the roll paper take-up knob 25 with the left hand to reverse the paper roll 110 and take up the roll paper 112 that is returned by the reversing operation.

More specifically, because roll paper 112 can be manually rewound while driving the transportation mechanism including the platen 41 in reverse, the unused portion of the roll paper 112 can be recovered without resulting in a roll paper 112 jam in the printer 1 according to this embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of the roll paper holder 2 when paper roll 110 is stored thereinside. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are oblique views of the same with the paper roll 110 removed. FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the roll paper holder 2 from below.

As shown in the figures, the roll paper holder 2 has a fixed guide panel 28 disposed vertically to the bottom of the holder case 20, and a movable guide panel 29 vertically disposed opposite the fixed guide panel 28, and stores the paper roll 110 between the fixed guide panel 28 and movable guide panel 29.

The fixed guide panel 28 is a flat panel affixed to the left side of the roll paper holder 2, and the guide surface 28D on one side contacts the paper roll 110 and the side edge of the roll paper 112 delivered from the paper roll 110.

The movable guide panel 29 has a guide surface 29F (FIG. 8), which is a flat surface that contacts the paper roll 110 and the side edge of the roll paper 112 delivered from the paper roll 110, and can be moved and adjusted to the width of the paper roll 110. For printing, the guide surface 28D of the fixed guide panel 28 and the guide surface 29F of the movable guide panel 29 are adjusted to contact or nearly contact both sides of the paper roll 110. FIG. 6 shows the movable guide panel 29 moved towards the fixed guide panel 28 side, and FIG. 7 shows the movable guide panel 29 when moved away from the fixed guide panel 28.

The roll paper holder 2 guides the side edges of the paper roll 110 and the roll paper 112 pulled from the paper roll 110 by means of the guide surface 28D and guide surface 29F. Sideways movement of the sides of the roll paper 112 when the roll paper 112 is pulled out and returned is thereby restricted, and travel of the roll paper 112 in a straight line can be improved.

It should be noted that the guide surface 28D of the fixed guide panel 28 and the guide surface 29F of the movable guide panel 29 are not limited to completely flat surfaces. More specifically, all of the parts including the part that contacts the sides of the paper roll 110 and the part that guides the roll paper 112 to the roll paper exit 20C need not be flat and may have recesses insofar as the configuration enables contacting the side edges of the roll paper 112 and guiding the roll paper 112. The location, shape, and size of such recesses can be desirably configured insofar as the recess will not catch the roll paper 112 or cause the roll paper 112 to become skewed. In addition, even if there is a recess at a position that contacts the roll paper 112, the recess can be configured to prevent it from catching the roll paper 112 by rounding or rendering a smooth bevel on the edges of the recessed part.

One end of the support shaft 24 is connected to the roll paper take-up knob 25 located outside the holder case 20 as described above, and a large diameter support disk 24A is formed on the support shaft 24 near the roll paper take-up knob 25. The diameter of the support disk 24A is greater than other parts of the support shaft 24. A large diameter bearing unit 28A corresponding to the diameter of the support disk 24A is formed in the fixed guide panel 28 on the left side of the roll paper holder 2. The support disk 24A is fit in the bearing unit 28A. This configuration of supporting the support disk 24A, which is larger in diameter than the other parts of the support shaft 24, by means of this bearing unit 28A increases friction between the outside surface of the support disk 24A and the bearing unit 28A, and thus applies greater resistance to support shaft 24 rotation. As a result, when the roll paper 112 is pulled toward the printer assembly 4, this resistance prevents slack in the roll paper 112 resulting from the paper roll 110 rolling freely and the roll paper 112 unwinding excessively.

The movable guide panel 29 that supports the other end of the support shaft 24 rises substantially perpendicularly to the bottom of the holder case 20, and has a flat part 29B at its base that overlaps the bottom of the holder case 20. The movable guide panel 29 is located on the right side of the roll paper holder 2, can slide in the axial direction of the support shaft 24, and can be stopped at any desirable position to which it is moved.

More specifically, the movable guide panel 29 can slide left and right within a specific range widthwise to the holder case 20. Ribs 20A and a rack 20B (engaging member) with numerous teeth rendered on the bottom of the holder case 20 extend in the sliding direction throughout the sliding range of the movable guide panel 29. Channels (not shown in the figure) that engage the ribs 20A, and an engaging part (not shown in the figure) on which teeth that mesh with the teeth of the rack 20B are formed, are formed on the back of the flat part 29B of the movable guide panel 29. By lifting the flat part 29B so that this engaging part disengages the rack 20B, the movable guide panel 29 can be slid freely along the axial direction of the support shaft 24. By engaging this engaging part on the back of the flat part 29B with the teeth of the rack 20B, movement of the movable guide panel 29 can be restricted and the movable guide panel 29 can be fixed in the desired position.

Except for the support disk 24A, the support shaft 24 has a uniform diameter enabling the support shaft 24 to be passed through the core 111 of the paper roll 110, and is fit into and supported by a bearing part 29A formed in the movable guide panel 29. The portion of the support shaft 24 that contacts the bearing part 29A throughout the full range of movable guide panel 29 movement is a cylindrical portion 24B of which the entire circumference is a smooth curved surface, thereby reducing resistance to sliding the movable guide panel 29. Voids 24C eliminating structurally unnecessary material are formed in the portion of the support shaft 24 not including the cylindrical portion 24B, that is, the portion that does not contact the bearing part 29A, and the axial center of the cylindrical portion 24B is hollowed out to form a hole 24D, thereby reducing weight and saving material. In addition, forming the voids 24C makes the surface of the support shaft 24 rough and thereby limits sliding between the support shaft 24 and the core 111. As a result, slack caused by unnecessary rotation of the paper roll 110 can be prevented and the paper roll 110 can be prevented from rolling freely when the roll paper take-up knob 25 is turned.

As described above, a curved part 26 is disposed to the holder case 20 to make the roll paper 112 curve as described above, and a curved part 29C is disposed to the movable guide panel 29 to join the curved part 26. The curved part 26 and curved part 29C can therefore be positioned to the widthwise edges of the roll paper 112 and the roll paper 112 can reliably be made to curve.

Furthermore, because the curved part 26 is formed in unison with the base part of the fixed guide panel 28, and the curved part 29C is formed in unison with the base part of the movable guide panel 29, the roll paper 112 will not enter between the fixed guide panel 28 and curved part 26, or between the base of the movable guide panel 29 and the curved part 29C. The roll paper 112 can therefore be reliably made to curve without the roll paper 112 folding or curling.

A front panel part 28B is formed at the front end of the fixed guide panel 28, and a slotted opening 28C is formed at the bottom end of the front panel part 28B. A front panel part 29D is also formed at the front end of the movable guide panel 29, and a slotted opening 29E is formed at the bottom end of the front panel part 29D. As shown in detail in FIG. 8, one end of the opening 28C is closed by the fixed guide panel 28 and the other end is open. One end of the opening 29E is closed by the movable guide panel 29 and the other end, that is, the end on the fixed guide panel 28 side, is open. Opening 28C and opening 29E communicate with each other, and render a roll paper exit 20C that is substantially the same width as the width of the roll paper 112.

The roll paper 112 is fed from the roll paper holder 2 to the printer assembly 4 through opening 28C and opening 29E, and at least the side edges of the roll paper 112 are prevented from moving up and down by the opening 28C and opening 29E. As a result, after travelling around the curved part 26 and curved part 29C, the roll paper 112 is guided down to pass through the openings 28C and 29E of the roll paper exit 20C and curve to the paper entrance 48 as shown in FIG. 3.

The roll paper cover 21 of the roll paper holder 2 is pivotably attached to the holder case 20 by a hinge 22 and can open upwards to the back of the printer 1. When the roll paper cover 21 is open, the paper roll 110 is exposed and paper roll 110 can be loaded or removed. When the roll paper cover 21 is closed, the paper roll 110 is covered by the roll paper cover 21 and the distal end of the roll paper cover 21 is inside the paper exit 14 as shown in FIG. 3, thereby protecting the paper roll 110 from dust and soiling.

FIG. 9 is a partially cut-away section view showing the roll paper holder 2 when installed.

The mounting structure of the roll paper holder 2 to the printer 1 is described next with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, substantially cylindrical engaging claws 32 are formed protruding to the side from the front side surfaces 31 of the holder case 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of left and right engaging channel openings 54A are formed at the back of the printer assembly 4 on top of the main case 10. The engaging channel openings 54A are formed on both sides at the end part of the main case 10, and the front side surfaces 31 of the roll paper holder 2 can be inserted to these engaging channel openings 54A.

As shown in FIG. 9, an engaging channel 54 is formed sloping forward and down at a position below the engaging channel opening 54A in the right side frame 18 of the printer assembly 4. When the front side surface 31 is inserted from the engaging channel opening 54A, the engaging claw 32 enters the engaging channel 54, and the load at the front of the roll paper holder 2 is supported by the bottom of the engaging channel 54 through the intervening engaging claw 32.

In addition, while not shown in the figures, a similar engaging channel 54 is also formed below the engaging channel opening 54A in the left side frame 19 of the main case 10, and the load of the roll paper holder 2 is supported by the engaging claw 32 in the engaging channel 54.

The roll paper holder 2 is thus supported on the printer assembly 4 at the front part of the roll paper holder 2 as a result of the pair of left and right engaging claws 32 being engaged with the engaging channels 54 disposed to the side frames 18 and 19.

As shown in FIG. 4, a flat surface 55 positioned above the fanfold paper supply unit 6 is disposed on both sides at the back end of the main case 10, and a recess 55A is formed in each of these flat surfaces 55.

A pair of left and right corresponding feet 33 (rear feet) are formed protruding widthwise at the back of the holder case 20 as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8. These feet 33 rest on the pair of flat surfaces 55 disposed to the main case 10.

An engaging claw 34 is rendered projecting down from the bottom surfaces of the pair of feet 33 disposed on the left and right sides of the roll paper holder 2 as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. These engaging claws 34 fit into the matching left and right recesses 55A when the roll paper holder 2 is placed on the flat surfaces 55. The engaging claws 34 are formed with the back going to a point, and are positioned with the back in contact with the back ends of the recesses 55A. An elastomer pad 35 is affixed on the bottom of the feet 33 behind the engaging claws 34, and these elastomer pads 35 contact the flat surfaces 55.

In addition, while not shown in the figures, an engaging claw 34 of the same shape is also rendered projecting from the bottom of the foot 33 disposed to the left side of the roll paper holder 2, and this engaging claw 34 fits into the recess 55A on the left side of the main case 10. An elastomer pad 35 is affixed on the bottom of the foot 33 on the left side behind the engaging claw 34, and the foot 33 contacts the left-side flat surface 55 through the elastomer pad 35.

The load of the roll paper holder 2 is thus supported at the back of the roll paper holder 2 by the feet 33 contacting the flat surfaces 55. In addition, because the engaging claws 34 disposed on the bottom of the feet 33 fit into the recesses 55A and limit horizontal movement of the roll paper holder 2, the roll paper holder 2 is firmly supported so that it will not move during printer 1 operation.

Furthermore, because the elastomer pads 35 disposed to the bottom of the feet 33 contact the flat surfaces 55, marring the surface of the flat surfaces 55 can be prevented, horizontal movement of the roll paper holder 2 can be firmly limited because the coefficient of friction of the elastomer pads 35 is high, slack in the roll paper 112 can be prevented because the elastomer pads 35 absorb vibration during printer 1 operation, and other beneficial effects can be achieved.

Furthermore, because the hinge 22 of the roll paper holder 2 is located behind the feet 33, the center of gravity of the roll paper cover 21 moves to the back and a clockwise moment centered on the feet 33 as seen in the figure results when the roll paper holder 2 is set on the main case 10 as shown in FIG. 9 and the roll paper cover 21 is opened. This moment is transferred from the engaging claws 32 to the top edge 54B of the engaging channel 54, but because the engaging channel 54 is formed as a channel that slopes forward and down in this embodiment of the invention, the edge 54B of the engaging channel 54 is substantially perpendicular to this moment. More specifically, because the edge 54B is shaped to function as a bearing surface that bears this moment, the engaging claws 32 will not escape from the engaging channels 54 when this moment is applied. As a result, the roll paper holder 2 is stably supported even when the roll paper holder 2 is set on the main case 10 and the roll paper cover 21 opens and closes.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, because the support shaft 24 of the roll paper holder 2 is positioned in front of the feet 33, the load of the paper roll 110 is also in front of the feet 33. As a result, because the load of the paper roll 110 is dispersed and supported from below by the flat surfaces 55 and engaging channels 54, the load of the paper roll 110 does not produce a clockwise moment on the engaging channel 54 as seen in the figure. The paper roll 110 can therefore be supported stably, concentration of the load of the paper roll 110 on the engaging channels 54 can be prevented, and durability can be improved because a moment in the same direction as the moment produced by opening the roll paper cover 21 is not applied to the engaging channels 54 by the load of the paper roll 110.

The roll paper holder 2 can be removably installed to the main case 10 of a printer 1 according to this embodiment of the invention, and the printer 1 can also print when the roll paper holder 2 is not installed.

FIG. 10 is an oblique view of the printer 1 when the roll paper holder 2 is removed and a separator 70 is installed. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are oblique views of the printer 1 when the separator 70 has been slid open, FIG. 11 being an oblique view from the front and FIG. 12 being an oblique view from the back.

As shown in FIG. 10, the separator 70 is attached to the main case 10 so that the top of the fanfold paper supply unit 6 is covered. As shown in FIG. 4, the fanfold paper supply unit 6 is exposed from the opening formed in the main case 10 when the roll paper holder 2 is not installed, and the separator 70 is a cover that covers this opening in the main case 10.

When the roll paper holder 2 is not installed, the printer 1 prints using fanfold paper 120 as the recording medium. In this configuration there is no discharge guide 23 because the roll paper holder 2 is not installed, and the fanfold paper 120 discharged from the paper exit 14 is fed over the top of the separator 70 to the back of the printer 1. The fanfold paper 120 is also supplied from outside the printer 1 to the supply opening 67 at the back of the printer 1, and this fanfold paper 120 is conveyed passing below the separator 70 by the fanfold paper supply unit 6. As a result, when the roll paper holder 2 is removed, the fanfold paper 120 supplied to the printer 1 is separated from the fanfold paper 120 discharged from the printer 1 by the separator 70, and fanfold paper 120 jams can be prevented.

A finger catch 71 is disposed in the top surface of the separator 70, and the separator 70 can be slid back by manually pulling on this finger catch 71.

In FIG. 10 the separator 70 is positioned all the way forward, and in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 the separator 70 is positioned all the way to the back.

When positioned as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, there is a gap between the separator 70 and the paper exit 14. The paper entrance 48 is exposed from this gap as shown in FIG. 12, and recording media can be inserted from above into the printer assembly 4. The engaging channel openings 54A are also exposed at both sides of this gap, and the engaging claws 32 (FIG. 8) of the roll paper holder 2 can be inserted to the engaging channels 54 formed in the side frames 18 and 19. The recesses 55A formed in the flat surfaces 55 of the main case 10 are also exposed. Therefore, by sliding the separator 70 to the back as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the roll paper holder 2 can be installed to the top of the main case 10 while the separator 70 remains installed. When both the separator 70 and the roll paper holder 2 are installed to the main case 10, roll paper 112 can be supplied from the paper roll 110 stored in the roll paper holder 2, fanfold paper 120 can be supplied from the back of the printer 1, and the printer 1 can print on both roll paper 112 and fanfold paper 120.

The separator 70 is held both at the position shown in FIG. 10 and the position shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 so that it will not separate from the main case 10, and can be removed from the main case 10 by sliding the separator 70 to an intermediate position. As a result, the separator 70 can be easily installed and removed, and accidental separation of the separator 70 can be prevented whenever printing is enabled, that is, both when the roll paper holder 2 is not installed and when the roll paper holder 2 is installed.

As described above, a roll paper holder 2 that supports a paper roll 110 of roll paper 112 that is printed on by the printer assembly 4 and is wound in a roll is disposed to the printer assembly 4 of a printer 1 according to this embodiment of the invention. The roll paper holder 2 supports the paper roll 110 by means of a support shaft 24, and has a roll paper take-up knob 25 on the end of this support shaft 24 for manually rewinding the paper roll 110. This roll paper take-up knob 25 is disposed on the opposite side as the side on which is disposed a paper feed knob 46 for manually reversing the transportation mechanism that conveys the paper roll 110 in the printer assembly 4, or a display and operating unit 13 having a switch for automatically reversing the transportation mechanism.

As a result, because the roll paper take-up knob 25 used to manually rewind the paper roll 110 is disposed on the opposite side as the paper feed knob 46 or display and operating unit 13, the operator can operate the display and operating unit 13 or paper feed knob 46 and the roll paper take-up knob 25 at the same time using both hands. Because the paper roll 110 can thus be manually rotated and the roll paper 112 taken up simultaneously to making the transportation mechanism reverse, the unused portion of the roll paper 112 can be recovered without causing the roll paper 112 to jam.

Furthermore, because the roll paper holder 2 can be installed to and removed from the printer assembly 4, the roll paper holder 2 can be removed and installed with the paper roll 110 thereinside. As a result, the configuration of the printer can be suitably changed according to the need for printing on roll paper 112, and the printer can be used in various ways according to the needs of the user. Furthermore, because the roll paper holder 2 has a roll paper cover 21 that covers the paper roll 110 supported on the support shaft 24 and a holder case 20, and the roll paper take-up knob 25 is exposed outside this cover, soiling of the paper roll 110 can be prevented by the cover, the roll paper take-up knob 25 can be operated and the paper roll 110 rotated without opening the cover, and the roll paper 112 can be easily taken up.

Furthermore, because a fanfold paper supply unit 6 having tractor units 60 that supply fanfold paper 120 with marginal punch holes is disposed behind the printer assembly 4 and the roll paper holder 2 is disposed above the fanfold paper supply unit 6 in this printer 1, both fanfold paper 120 and roll paper 112 delivered from the paper roll 110 can be used, and when roll paper 112 is used and the roll paper 112 is returned into the roll paper holder 2, the paper roll 110 can be manually turned to take up the roll paper 112 while causing the transportation mechanism to reverse at the same time. As a result, unused roll paper 112 can be rewound onto the roll and recovered, both a fanfold paper supply unit 6 with tractor units 60 and the roll paper holder 2 can be efficiently disposed, and the footprint of the printer can be reduced.

Furthermore, because engaging claws 32 are disposed to the front of the roll paper holder 2, these engaging claws 32 are engaged in engaging channels 54 that open to the back of the printer assembly 4, and the rear feet 33 of the roll paper holder 2 are set on the flat surfaces 55 of the main case 10 that houses the printer assembly 4, the roll paper holder 2 is supported without shifting horizontally as a result of the engaging claws 32 engaging engaging channels disposed at the back of the printer assembly 4. In addition, the load of the roll paper holder 2 is supported by the main case 10 because the roll paper holder 2 rests on flat surfaces of the main case 10 housing the printer assembly 4. As a result, the paper roll 110 can be stably supported so that the roll paper 112 pulled from the paper roll does not interfere with the supply path of the fanfold paper 120, and both roll paper 112 and fanfold paper 120 can be supplied to the printer assembly 4.

In addition, because the support shaft 24 is located in front of the feet 33, the load of the paper roll 110 is dispersed and supported from below by the flat surfaces 55 of the main case 10 and the engaging channels 54 in which the engaging claws 32 of the roll paper holder 2 are engaged. As a result, a moment is not produced by the load of the paper roll 110, and rolled recording media can be stably supported.

The invention is described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof above, but the invention is not so limited. For example, a dot matrix printer that forms dots on the recording medium by driving wires to protrude is used by way of example in the embodiment described above, but the invention is not so limited and the invention can also be applied to thermal printers that record text and images by applying heat to the recording medium using a thermal line head, to inkjet printers that record by discharging ink onto the recording medium, and to laser printers.

In addition, the roll paper 112 and fanfold paper 120 are not particularly limited insofar as they are compatible with the recording method of the printer, and may be plain paper or multipart form paper in a dot matrix printer, monochrome or color thermal paper in a thermal paper, and plain paper or coated paper in an inkjet printer. Sheets or webs of film and other synthetic media can also be used instead of paper.

A configuration in which engaging claws 32 disposed to the front end of the roll paper holder 2 are inserted down into and engaged in the engaging channels 54 from engaging channel openings 54A is described in the foregoing embodiment, but the invention is not so limited. For example, the same effect as described above can be achieved with a configuration in which engaging claws are inserted from the back of the printer assembly 4 to and engaged with engaging channels that extend horizontally to the front, and with a configuration in which the engaging channels 54 bend in the middle.

The engaging claws 32 in the foregoing embodiment are cylindrically shaped, and the engaging claws 34 are shaped with a point, but the invention is not so limited. For example, the ends of the engaging claws 32 and 34 may be hook-shaped, and a configuration in which a large diameter part is disposed to the distal end of the engaging claws 32 to inhibit separation from the engaging channels 54 is also conceivable.

Yet further, a protruding part may be disposed protruding from the side of the printer assembly 4, and a channel that engages this protruding part may be disposed to the roll paper holder 2 side.

A roll paper take-up knob 25 that takes up the paper roll 110 in the roll paper holder 2 is disposed to the left side of the printer 1, and the display and operating unit 13 and paper feed knob 46 are disposed to the right side of the printer 1 in the embodiment described above, but the invention is not so limited. More particularly, various configurations in which the display and operating unit 13 and paper feed knob 46 are disposed on the same side and the roll paper take-up knob 25 is disposed on the opposite side are conceivable.

Furthermore, the configuration of the bearing units 28A and 29A that support the support shaft 24 inside the roll paper holder 2 is not specifically limited, and a configuration having a separate resistance member to increase the rotational resistance of the support shaft 24 is also conceivable.

The switch used to operate the transportation mechanism in reverse may also be disposed separately from the display and operating unit 13, and may be disposed on a side of the main case 10, for example.

Yet further, the materials from which the parts of the printer assembly 4, the main case 10, and the holder case 20 and roll paper cover 21 of the roll paper holder 2 are made are not limited. For example, a material that is transparent in part may be used so that how much paper roll 110 remains in the roll paper holder 2 can be checked visually by looking through a transparent member. Further alternatively, the joint between the roll paper cover 21 and holder case 20 may be sealed, and other detailed aspects of the printer 1 configuration can be changed as desired without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. 

1. A recording device comprising: a media support unit that is disposed to a recording assembly and supports a rolled recording medium, which is a recording medium that is recorded on by a recording assembly wound into a roll, on a support shaft, and has a first knob, the first knob disposed to an end of the support shaft, turned to manually take up the recording medium, and located on the opposite side as the side on which is disposed a second knob that is operated to manually reverse a transportation mechanism that conveys the recording medium in the recording assembly or a switch unit for automatically reversing the transportation mechanism.
 2. The recording device described in claim 1, wherein the media support unit can be installed to and removed from the recording assembly.
 3. The recording device described in claim 1, wherein the media support unit has a cover that covers the rolled recording medium supported on the support shaft, and the first knob is exposed outside the cover.
 4. The recording device described in claim 1, wherein: a media supply unit having a tractor unit that supplies an alternate recording medium having marginal punch holes is disposed behind the recording assembly; and the media support unit is located above the media supply unit.
 5. The recording device described in claim 1, wherein an engaging claw is disposed at a front part of the media support unit and is engaged in an engaging channel that opens to the back of the recording assembly; and rear feet of the media support unit are placed on a flat surface of a main case that houses the recording assembly.
 6. The recording device described in claim 5, wherein: the support shaft of the media support unit is located in front of the rear feet.
 7. A recording medium supply mechanism of a recording device, comprising: a media support unit that is disposed to a recording assembly and supports a rolled recording medium, which is a recording medium that is recorded on by a recording assembly wound into a roll, on a support shaft, and has a first knob, the first knob disposed to an end of the support shaft, turned to manually take up the recording medium, and located on the opposite side as the side on which is disposed a second knob that is operated to manually reverse a transportation mechanism that conveys the recording medium in the recording assembly or a switch unit for automatically reversing the transportation mechanism.
 8. The recording medium supply mechanism of a recording device described in claim 7, wherein the media support unit can be installed to and removed from the recording assembly.
 9. The recording medium supply mechanism of a recording device described in claim 7, wherein the media support unit has a cover that covers the rolled recording medium supported on the support shaft, and the first knob is exposed outside the cover.
 10. The recording medium supply mechanism of a recording device described in claim 7, wherein: a media supply unit having a tractor unit that supplies an alternate recording medium having marginal punch holes is disposed behind the recording assembly; and the media support unit is located above the media supply unit.
 11. The recording medium supply mechanism of a recording device described in claim 7, wherein: an engaging claw is disposed at a front part of the media support unit and is engaged in an engaging channel that opens to the back of the recording assembly; and rear feet of the media support unit are placed on a flat surface of a main case that houses the recording assembly.
 12. The recording medium supply mechanism of a recording device described in claim 11, wherein: the support shaft of the media support unit is located in front of the rear feet. 